San Diego in November: weather, events and what to know

November is one of San Diego's best months: mild, clear days, warm ocean-adjacent evenings and a holiday season that begins with ice skating by the Pacific. Clocks fell back on November 1, so sunset comes around 4:50 p.m. Crowds are modest until Thanksgiving week.

Updated 2026-11-13

November at a glance

Typical temperatures: Highs in the upper 60s °F, lows in the mid 50s (approximate)
Rain: Light; occasional winter-style storms start to appear
Daylight: Clocks fell back Sunday, November 1; sunset is about 4:50 p.m.
Ocean: Cool (mid 60s °F); a wetsuit helps for long swims
Crowd level: Low to medium; higher Thanksgiving weekend
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26, 2026

Weather in San Diego in November and what to pack

Layers: a light jacket for mornings and evenings, t-shirts for the afternoon.

Sunscreen and sunglasses; the sun is strong even when it's cool.

A light rain shell for the occasional shower.

Comfortable walking shoes and sandals.

A swimsuit for hotel pools and warm days (the ocean is brisk).

Top events in San Diego in November 2026

2 events

Dates as of 2026-11-13; confirm with the organizer.

Nonstop Presents: Vintage Culture "affairs" Friday, November 13, 3:00 PM local (2026-11-13T23:00:00.000Z) · The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park Music at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park; tickets via www.ticketmaster.com.
Bluey's Big Play Friday, November 13, 6:00 PM local (2026-11-14T02:00:00.000Z) · Balboa Theatre Other at Balboa Theatre; tickets via www.ticketmaster.com.

Also in San Diego in November

seasonal picks

Recurring seasonal events and holidays. Dates move year to year, confirm with the organizer.

San Diego Beer Week through November 15. Ten days of craft beer events across the county.
SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration daily from November 13. More than a million lights; included with park admission.
Hotel del Coronado holidays and ice skating November 20 to January 3. Free to stroll; skating and activities are ticketed.
Encinitas Holiday Street Fair Sunday, November 22.
Thanksgiving turkey trots and celebrations Thursday, November 26.
Safari Park Wild Holidays select nights from November 27. Included with park admission.
Julian Country Christmas and tree lighting Saturday, November 28, in the mountain town of Julian.
December Nights at Balboa Park December 4 and 5. Just outside November, but worth planning around; it's free and very popular.

Crowds, prices and what to book ahead

Calmest: early to mid November, midweek. Busiest: Thanksgiving weekend and Hotel del Coronado holiday dates. Book ahead: Thanksgiving dinner, the Hotel del's ice rink, Safari Park Wild Holidays and December Nights lodging. Getting around: the MTS Trolley and buses run reduced schedules on Thanksgiving; check ahead.

What changes in San Diego in November

Fewer beachgoers, quieter sand and cheaper rooms.

Gray whale migration begins to pass San Diego in late November through winter; boat tours start.

Santa Ana winds can bring warm, dry, windy days and elevated fire risk.

Earlier sunset makes late-afternoon beach walks the best light.

Best things to do in November

5 picks

Visit Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.

Walk La Jolla Cove and Torrey Pines.

Ride the ferry to Coronado and see the Hotel del's holiday decor.

Eat fish tacos and craft beer.

Take a whale-watching boat later in the month.

Full San Diego visitor guide

Sample November itinerary

Day 1: Balboa Park and the zoo, a late-afternoon stroll in Little Italy, and dinner in the Gaslamp.

Day 2: La Jolla Cove, Torrey Pines, then Coronado for the Hotel del and sunset on the beach.

Questions

6 answers

Is San Diego worth visiting in November?

Yes. The weather is mild, crowds are small and the holiday season begins.

What should I wear in San Diego in November?

Layers, a light jacket, sunscreen and comfortable shoes.

Is the ocean warm enough to swim in November?

It's cool; many people wear wetsuits for longer swims.

When do clocks change?

Daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

When are the holiday lights?

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration runs from November 13, and the Hotel del Coronado's holidays begin November 20.

What events are in San Diego in November 2026?

Beer Week (through November 15), Thanksgiving turkey trots, Safari Park Wild Holidays and Julian's tree lighting. --- *An independent local guide. Weather figures are approximate climate norms. Verify event dates, hours and ticket details with official sources before you go.* Also on the calendar: Nonstop Presents: Vintage Culture "affairs" and Bluey's Big Play.